Plans have been revealed to turn the former Blockbuster store in Penarth into a restaurant and bar. Plans for the brasserie-style restaurant, proposed for 38 Windsor Road, includes an external roof terrace for the side of the building facing Hickman Road.
Applicant Stuart Reid says that seeing Penarth's high street struggle in recent years has been one of the key motivating factors for him putting his plan forward. In reference to the proposed roof terrace, an statement attached to the application says: "Such external terraces can be seen at the popular Cameo and adjoining Sarastro bars and restaurants, in Wellfield Road, Roath, in Cardiff.
"Wellfield Road in Roath is a prime example of a commercial shopping road having been transformed into a destination for people wishing to shop and/or socialise in its many cafés, bars, and restaurants. How wonderful if the same could be done for the centre of Penarth."
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Plans of the restaurant layout show the ground floor would include a dining area and bar. On the first floor, the proposal is to have another bar and dining area, as well as a private dining room and the outdoor terrace. The proposal has also been met with positivity from a local councillor.
Vale of Glamorgan Council ward member for St Augustines, Cllr Neil Thomas, said the plans for a new restaurant should be "welcomed". In a representation attached to the planning application, Cllr Thomas wrote: "This site has remained moribund for far too long and any attempt to bring it back into beneficial use is to be welcomed.
"There are already a high number of hospitality venues in the vicinity and a number of other businesses have closed or are closing recently as mentioned in the application. Concern for the health of Penarth town centre is increasing as more businesses fail and this could be seen as contributing to the offer of the area hopefully encouraging other independent businesses to follow suit."
The Penarth Blockbuster closed in December 2013 along with the chain's other UK stores.
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